Texas SNAP Income Limits 2026
Texas is unusual: it pairs a 165% gross income screen with its own $5,000 resource limit — a structure only a handful of states use. Both your monthly income and your countable savings are checked, though major items like your home and most vehicles are excluded. Households that pass the income screen can still stumble on resources here, which almost never happens in no-asset-test states.
Texas income limit chart (FY 2026)
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit | Net monthly income limit | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,153 | $1,305 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,908 | $1,763 | $546 |
| 3 | $3,664 | $2,221 | $785 |
| 4 | $4,422 | $2,680 | $994 |
| 5 | $5,177 | $3,138 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $5,933 | $3,596 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $6,690 | $4,055 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $7,446 | $4,513 | $1,789 |
How Texas compares to neighboring states
Texas sits in the middle of its region: New Mexico and Louisiana screen income more generously, while Oklahoma uses stricter gross limits.
| Neighbor | Gross screen | Asset test |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 200% | None |
| Oklahoma | 130% | None |
| Arkansas | 165% | $5,500 |
| Louisiana | 200% | None |
Asset and resource rules
Texas screens countable resources against a $5,000 limit under its BBCE rules, with exclusions (such as your home and most vehicles) evaluated by a caseworker.
Utilities and the shelter deduction in Texas
Texas uses fixed Standard Utility Allowances instead of actual bills: $445 when the household pays heating or cooling, $400 for other utilities, and $62 for phone-only (Texas Works Handbook C-120 (Rev 25-4), effective October 1, 2025). Our calculator applies these verified FY 2026 values automatically.
How deductions change the math
Texas applicants have to clear three bars — gross income, net income, and resources — and deductions only help with the middle one. Still, they're powerful: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) disregards 20% of earnings and subtracts the standard deduction, dependent care, paid child support, qualifying medical expenses over $35, and excess shelter before the net test. Just remember that no deduction offsets being over the $5,000 resource limit. See the deductions guide for worked examples.
Worth knowing about Texas
Texas residents can use Your Texas Benefits to apply for SNAP food benefits, manage benefits, check case information, and upload documents. Starting April 1, Texas SNAP recipients cannot buy candy and sweetened drinks with Lone Star Cards under the state purchase restriction notice shown on Your Texas Benefits. Questions about your own case go to the agency directly: HHSC benefits case or YourTexasBenefits.com help: 1-877-541-7905 or 2-1-1. Lone Star Card Help Desk: 800-777-7328.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SNAP income limit for a family of 3 in Texas?
For FY 2026, the gross monthly limit for a household of 3 in Texas is $3,664 (165% BBCE screen). The net limit after deductions is $2,221.
Does Texas use gross or net income?
Both. Gross income (before taxes) is checked against the 165% screen, and net income after deductions must be at or below 100% of the poverty guideline. Households with a member age 60+ or disabled skip the gross test.
What if my income is over the limit in Texas?
Deductions can pull your net income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) limit even when gross pay looks too high — rent and child care are the big ones. Run the Texas calculator before writing off an application at Your Texas Benefits.
Does Texas have an asset test?
Texas screens countable resources against a $5,000 limit under its BBCE rules, with exclusions (such as your home and most vehicles) evaluated by a caseworker.
Who runs SNAP in Texas?
Texas Health and Human Services, which administers the program statewide. Applications go through Your Texas Benefits. Contact: HHSC benefits case or YourTexasBenefits.com help: 1-877-541-7905 or 2-1-1. Lone Star Card Help Desk: 800-777-7328.
More Texas SNAP resources
Texas SNAP calculator
Estimate your exact monthly benefit with FY 2026 rules.
How to apply in Texas
Portal, phone, documents, and timelines for Your Texas Benefits.
National income limits guide
Federal limits, BBCE by state, and elderly/disabled rules.